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My big chop anniversary was actually a few weeks ago but I wanted to catch you all up on my progress over the last three years. It's been three years since I big chopped (cut off the relaxed ends) and four years since I received my last relaxer.

Over the years I've worn a variety of styles such as mini twists(which I have in now), regular-sized two strand twists,updos, puffs, braids...you name it. I haven't done a proper length check in a while and I hit myself on the head every time I ask myself why didn't I do one once my hair was flat ironed a few months ago. I guess I was so busy it didn't cross my mind. I do know that with my hair straightened it is about bra strap length.

Last week I was working a both for my job and I noticed a great amount of hair vendors which I thought was interesting. A few to name in particular were African Pride and Lotta Body.

I find it interesting that companies are converting to the natural hair world because they know that is where the cash flows. Many of these companies prided themselves on relaxers, edge control products and other hair growth miracle products.

I've always known of Lotta Body as a setting lotion used when styling a roller set. At the event I found out that they also have a new line of natural hair products:

cocoafab.com

Not to knock Lottabody's products, or anyone else's per say, but it makes me think about how much these products are different than their products for relaxed or "normal" hair. Are they using the same ingredients or formula and slapping "natural hair product on the front?"

Lately there are a lot of products popping up and claiming to be all natural. While some may be, I know that others aren't. If you've have noticed, I haven't done as many product reviews as I used to. I do try new products but very sparingly because I'd rather use good quality products and not cheat you all by reviewing crappy material.

Well it's not quite three weeks but it's pretty close. I just wanted to update you all on my hair routine as far as my mini twists. I've been using strictly water and coconut oil. Every morning and every night I spray my hair with water and then every few days I apply coconut oil to my scalp using an applicator bottle.

Hey Curlies,I've been talking about this new deep conditioner I've been using. The actual product isn't new but it's new to this blog. I haven't done any product reviews in a while but this one is one to truly take note of. I have been using the Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner by Eden Body Works
and I love it!

What it contains:Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Coco Nut Oil, Tiare Flower, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-11, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Camomile) Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor)Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol , Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic AcidWhat it claims to do:JOJOBA All Natural Deep Conditioner strengthens hair through its botanical combination of Coconut, Jojoba, and Monoi. Formulated to replenish hair strength and restore hair's natural beauty from over processing, damage, and dryness. Fortified to balance the hair's moisture level, resulting in stronger, healthier, more manageable hair. Excellent deep conditioner for all textures and hair types.*From edenbodyworks.com*Uses:To deep condition hairMy review:I had heard of the Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner by Eden Body Works
brand before but the prices were a bit expensive for me. It's not that I haven't spent good money on hair products but I haven't dropped a boat-load in a while. I got this product on sale for $6 while in Atlanta at the World Natural Hair Show. I thought that $6 for a 16oz jar sounded pretty promising.One thing that I like about this product is its consistency and thickness. Some deep conditioners are too watery but this one is thick, creamy and applied to my strands well. I usually apply a generous amount and come out with very soft hair. Seriously...this product may make my staples list! It has amazing slip which helps when applying the product and rinsing.Although this product does contain jojoba,carrot, tea tree and vitamin E oils, it isn't all-natural. The label does say "all-natural" but I have a few ingredients that I question. However, this isn't a fault! Although I would love to use all-natural ingredients, this deep conditioner has given me amazing results each time. It is definitely worth the money. If I happen to run into the other products in this line, I would love to see how they all work together.

I know that I can't be the only one suffering from a dry scalp so I thought a post on how to apply oils to your scalp was perfect. My actual hair usually stays pretty moisturized but the scalp, not so much. The weird thing is your scalp's oil, sebum is naturally produced but my scalp must have missed the memo. It's not that my scalp is constantly dry, just more than normal in my opinion.

While most people don't have to apply oils directly to their scalp, this one does(raises hand). It can be difficult to actually apply oil to your scalp for a couple of reasons:

Your hair is too thick for you to reach your scalp accurately

Since oil is a liquid, it's hard to apply with your hands without making a mess

I have solutions of course!

What I normally do is buy a plastic bottle with a nozzle tip (the one used to apply hair color) and fill it with my oil of choice. This way the oil can be applied without mess. I spend no more than $1.50 on the bottle. I like trying coconut oil or tea tree oil.

This is a similar method to buying the plastic bottle. You can also fill this with your oil and the specialized tip helps evenly distribute the oil. It's a no brainer! I've heard of some finding this product at Wal-Mart but you can also purchase online.

I just wanted to update you on a few things going on in the natural hair community. If you haven't heard, Shea Moisture now has online site where you can shop for all of their hair, body and beauty products.

The company will also be releasing a new product line. One that I am extremely excited about! I'm working to get my hands on this!

In other news, OBIA Natural Haircare released a new product that I also want to try soon!

Remember, the storm doesn't last forever. Last week I got to interview a young woman who has a very kind and optimistic spirit despite all she has been through. She was such an inspiration for me although I haven't experienced the unfortunate situations she has. Find something to be happy about during the storm. Trust me, there is always something to be thankful for.

I FINALLY got a chance to install some mini twists! I've been lying to myself during prior weekends that I was going to get these done but...yeah...never happened.

But this weekend it did!

I actually washed and deep conditioned my hair Friday night. I let my hair air dry over night in tuck in roll twists and then blew out the rest to achieve fully stretched hair.

I blow dried on low heat and divided my hair into four sections. I twisted using only pure African Shea butter.

It took a little over 5 hours to complete and at the half way point I was yelling at myself about why I do this to myself each time. lol It just takes so long but is completely worth it in the end! I will be keeping these in for at least three weeks.

If you are wondering why the twists are so curly and seem to have some shape, I put my hair into two big bantu knots at night to keep them stretched. The knots add the curl once I take them down.

I've been getting a few emails lately on how to combat dry hair. Usually not only does dry hair present itself during the summer months, so does hair that lacks luster and shine. Here is the secret to shiny hair.

Simply...

Rinse your hair with cool water after washing
This may seem like a pain to dunk your head under a stream of cold water, but it's completely worth it. Washing your hair with warm water opens your cuticles and rinsing with cool water closes them. When cuticles lay flat they reflect natural shine and luster. You don't have to suffer under ice cold water, especially during the winter time, but get the water the coldest you can stand.

This process also helps during the detangling process by causing less knots and tangles on roughed up strands.

Heads up...this post has nothing to do with hair haha. I've was asked once upon of time to sort of share my personal life with you all and I do on occasion. I'm not an obsessively private person so I do like to give you all little splashes into my life outside of hair.

I've been finding a good balance so far between work and squeezing in some fun. I've also been in the gym for the last few weeks. I found a trail by house that I often walk on with friends. A lot of people ride their bikes on the trail and I began thinking...that's a great idea! So I bought this...

I haven't rode a bike in years! I try to ride at least once a week if not more weather depending. When the weather isn't the best I work out indoors. I've been working out on the elliptical and doing some strength training on the weights. I've just been looking for ways to stay active.

Beside working out I've been exploring the city with friends and finding events to attend.

By the way I didn't make the paella(above). One of my sorority sisters did. Yum!

If you look at my hair regimen you can see that I use a lot of different brands. What I am trying to do now is use some of the same brands during my wash days.

Brands make both a shampoo with a matching conditioner because those two products used together help maintain the pH balance of your hair. Using two different brands isn't necessarily harmful but you won't see the full benefits as you would by using the same brands.

This is something I'm still learning...

For the past few weeks I've been using Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner. Using the same brand has given my hair fantastic results and I can definitely see a difference in how my hair behaves.

This isn't just for hair products...

I also use the Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Cleansing Gel and Toner. I've been using the cleanser for about a year now and purchased the matching toner but the first time I tried it I wasn't too impressed. Recently I decided to began using it again and I love it! The two products really do work well together. I don't need as much moisturizer after applying and my skin improves everyday. Again, I believe it's the balanced pH levels.

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